A study exploring the association of attitude and treatment satisfaction with glycaemic level among gestational diabetes mellitus patients

Abstract

AimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate attitude and treatment satisfaction of women suffering from GDM and their association with glycaemic level. MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted in antenatal clinic of Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia from June to December 2013 on the sample of 175 patients. Data was collected through modified version of Diabetes Integration Scale (ATT-19) and Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaires (DSTQs). Glycaemic level was evaluated in terms of Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG). Three most recent values of FPG (mmol/l) were taken from patients medical profiles and their mean was calculated. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. ResultsA total of 166 patients were included in final analysis. Only 35 (21.1%) patients had positive attitude and 122 (73.5%) of patients had adequate treatment satisfaction. There was no significant association of total mean ATT-19 score with age, ethnicity, educational level, occupational status, family history and type of therapy. For treatment satisfaction statistically significant association was present only between total mean treatment satisfaction score and educational level. Patients with negative attitude and inadequate treatment satisfaction had higher mean glycaemic level. ConclusionsIt is concluded that more than two folds of patients were satisfied with their ongoing treatment but majority of the patients were feeling difficulty in active coping measures for the management of GDM.